Meet Crystal Ava-Founder of Crystal's Mindful Wellness!
My Story
For much of my childhood, I lived in survival mode.
After enduring twelve years of childhood sexual abuse, I spent years trying to understand how those experiences had shaped the way I saw myself, my relationships, and the world around me. Healing wasn't a straight line. It meant confronting difficult questions, unlearning survival patterns, and slowly rediscovering parts of myself that trauma had buried.
As I searched for healing, I realized many of the resources I longed for didn't exist in the way I needed them. I wasn't looking for someone to tell me who to become—I was searching for practical tools that encouraged self-awareness, critical thinking, and a deeper connection with my own body, mind, and inner wisdom.
So I began creating those tools for myself.
I wrote. I reflected. I explored mindfulness, symbolism, somatic practices, creativity, and everyday experiences as opportunities for growth. Over time, those personal practices became the foundation for everything you'll find throughout Crystal's Mindful Wellness.
This space wasn't created because I have all the answers. It was created because I know what it's like to search for them. If my work helps someone feel a little less alone, a little more understood, or a little more connected to themselves, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
My greatest contribution is my willingness to openly share my lived experiences with honesty and vulnerability having the intention of spreading awareness and advocating for empowering individual healing at one's own pace.
My Advocacy
Long before Crystal's Mindful Wellness, I was involved in advocacy through End Incest Trust, an organization committed to raising awareness and supporting efforts to end childhood sexual abuse.
Seeing my writing included in their educational materials from Punjab, India reinforced my belief that lived experience can create meaningful conversations and offer hope to others walking similar paths worldwide.
As I began processing my trauma, I found myself writing poetry again. I started sharing those poems in a private Facebook community for survivors, where writing became both an outlet for healing and a way to connect with others who understood similar experiences.
One of those poems caught the attention of Supreet Dhiman, Director of End Incest Trust. She reached out to me personally to ask for permission to feature it in one of the organization's educational awareness pamphlets. I was deeply honored to say yes.
A short time later, she mailed me several printed copies all the way from Punjab, India. Opening that envelope and seeing my words published in an international advocacy resource was a profoundly meaningful moment. It reminded me that our personal stories can reach farther than we ever imagine.
That experience gave me the confidence to continue writing and ultimately inspired me to complete my first published collection, From Ashes to Phoenix: Childhood Poems from a Survivor of CSA.
From Ashes to Flame
When I was young,
Unspeakable things took place.
Not big and not strong,
I hid behind a smile on my face.
It didn't take long to find the words to escape,
Never naming his name.
The innocence of home,
Filled with secrets and shame.
So young was I,
I wore the blame.
Abuse wearing a disguise,
Portrayed as a game.
Truth came to light,
Before it was too late.
Though he would pay for the crime,
I would never be the same.
Until I rose the Phoenix,
From ashes to flame.
C. Marie W.
(Poem written by a 34-year-old survivor of incest abuse, who suffered for 12 long years.)
From Ashes to Phoenix: Childhood Poems From a Survivor of CSA
Reviews from Readers
Vanessa Valenbaer says:
"A Brave and Beautiful Testament to Survival"
From Ashes to Phoenix is not just a memoir, it’s a mirror for anyone who’s ever carried silent wounds. This book is more than emotional; it’s empowering. To anyone who’s ever felt unseen or unheard, this book will hold you.
Raven Miller says:
"Very Inspiring and Fantastic Writing"
A wonderful inspiring book that offers a unique perspective and an inside view of what it's like to be a child going through traumatic experiences.
Stephanie Moland says:
"Truth Trip"
I digested this book in one setting. I felt an affinity for this little child who was desperately seeking a solution & used words as a tool. It's rare to find someone willing to share their total truth.
Contact Crystal Ava
Have a Question or Want to Connect?
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my story and the mission behind Crystal's Mindful Wellness.
If you have a question about my resources, would like to share feedback, or simply want to say hello, I'd love to hear from you.
My inbox is open!
Opportunities to Collaborate
Crystal's Mindful Wellness was built on the belief that healing and education grow stronger through community.
I welcome opportunities to collaborate!
Whether you're interested in inviting me to speak, give a poetry reading or book signing, appear on your podcast, or explore another collaborative opportunity, I'd love to learn more about your vision!
Thank You for Being Here!
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and the heart behind Crystal's Mindful Wellness. It truly means more than you know. Whether you arrived here out of curiosity, a desire to better understand yourself, or simply because something resonated with you, I'm grateful our paths crossed. I hope you leave this space feeling a little more seen, a little more empowered, and a little more connected to yourself. Take what serves you, leave what doesn't, and always trust that your journey belongs to you. Wishing you peace, curiosity, and gentle moments of self-discovery wherever life leads next.
With gratitude,
Crystal Ava
